A Summer Reading List for Educators

Posted by Caitlyn Selleck on Jun 20, 2012 in Guest Post | 0 comments

Mary Beth Hertz is a certified Instructional Technology Specialist and K-7 Technology Teacher in Philadelphia, PA. She has presented at a number of conferences and is a blogger and avid user of social media. She is also a co-organizer of Edcamp Philly and sits on the Edcamp Foundation Board. She was also named an ISTE Emerging Leader in 2010. She is passionate about making school meaningful and about all things edtech.

Now that school has wound down and we can all come up for air, it’s time to start thinking about next year. If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking about next year and how you will do things differently since May. Now that you have some time to reflect and learn to inform your planning for next year, here are some suggested titles for your summer beach reading and viewing.

Digital Life

Crap Detection 101: How to Distinguish Good and Bad Information Howard Rheingold, video 2011

Rheingold has been writing about the digital world since the 1980s and this video is a must-see for any educator navigating the overloaded world of information with their students or as a professional.

NetSmart: How to Thrive Online Howard Rheingold 2012

While I haven’t had a chance to read Rheingold’s newest book, it is on my to-read list because of his wide range of expertise and experience in the field of digital life.

About Teaching

Understanding the Common Core John Kendall 2011

This tiny, inexpensive book is great guide to the events leading up to the adoption of the Common Core along with some of the thinking behind its structure and purpose. Although it is a bit biased, since it is written by a drafter of the document, I found it a great introduction to what is coming down the line.

The Power of Our Words Paula Denton 2007

This book, part of the Responsive Classroom model’s book series, changed the way I speak to my students. It provides practical, real examples of how changing your words can change your classroom dynamic and your teaching.

Never Work Harder Than Your Students Robyn Jackson 2009

As the title suggests, this book is focused on getting you as a teacher to put more of the responsibility for learning onto your students. It is practical and realistic and gave me a lot to reflect on.

Curriculum 21 Heidi Hayes Jacobs 2010

Although this book came out a decade into the new century, Jacobs argues that it is time to completely overhaul our curriculums and create a new ‘operating system’ for our schools. An important read for any current educator.

Brain Rules John Medina 2008

This book created in me a sort of obsession for brain-based learning theories for a while. Medina approaches highly scientific concepts in an easily digested way that makes simple connections to learning for educators to reflect on. Not only does what he describe make sense to anyone who has ever taught, it is based on hard science.

Making Learning Whole David Perkins 2008

After I finished Brain Rules, I picked up this wonderful book about creating learning experiences for students that break the current mold of subjects and segmented learning by thinking about teaching and learning the same way we think about teaching and learning how to play games like baseball. Perkins builds out this metaphor in a way that not only ‘sticks’ but offers guidelines and examples for educators.

Inspirational

Walk Out Walk On Deborah Frieze, Margaret Wheatley 2011

All I can say is that this book made me begin to question a lot of things. The authors take you on a journey through a non-fiction, first-person account of communities around the world stepping up and taking charge of their communities rather than waiting around for experts to come save them. If you have ever been part of a grassroots community (like Edcamp) this book will speak to you. If you haven’t, it will open your mind.

Teacher Man Frank McCourt 2005

My grandparents gave this book to me years ago (probably when it first came out) and it took a while for me to pick it up. When I did, I was immediately glad I had. This is an autobiography of a teacher in New York City. McCourt’s story is one of persistence, dedication and inspiration for anyone who has ever taught.

The Element Sir Ken Robinson 2009

By now, Robinson is almost a hero in the education world for his influential TED talk about creativity. After watching his video for the umpteenth time, I finally purchased his book. I was not disappointed. While not an educator, I found the stories inside inspiring and the message to discover and follow your passions a powerful one.

Feel free to share your own recommendations!

The Best Android Tablet Apps for Reading

Posted by Caitlyn Selleck on May 9, 2012 in Guest Post | 1 comment

Steven W. Anderson is a recognized expert in using social media in education. Steven regularly consults with schools and districts around the country on how they can use social media to break down barriers and extend learning beyond the classroom walls.
A regular presenter at ASCD, ISTE and various other state/local conferences, Steven speaks on technology integration, leadership and education reform. In his home district he works with school administrators, helping them to build their capacity for change and leadership with technology. Steven resides in North Carolina with his wife Melissa and their daughter Reaghan.

I love my tablets. I carry 2 pretty much wherever I go, especially when I travel. Now, I love my iPad. I can get lots of work done on it, but mostly play some great games. However, I recently got a 10.1 Galaxy Tab and it is quickly becoming my go-to tablet for everything. From writing this blog post to checking my tweets to watching Netflix, I use it more than my laptop some days.

But I am finding more and more that I pick it up before I pick up my Kindle. Normally I am reading 4-5 books at a time and carrying those books around took up a great deal of space in my bag. Then I got a Kindle and that helped a bunch. Then I got a tablet and discovered the Kindle app and I honestly can’t remember the last time I even charged my Kindle.

There are lots of apps for books and reference for the Android user, some of which you might not find for you iPad. Here are my favorites.

Kindle- Like I mentioned, this is my primary app for reading books. I can usually get a good deal on eBooks from Amazon and the app is great for reading. I have all my tools to highlight and share excerpts and the app syncs my location in all my books on all my devices. So if it is easier for me to use my phone to catch up on a chapter, I know I will be in the right place.

Google Books- This is another app I use for reading a lot. I will price compare when I am looking for books and sometimes I can get a better deal with Google books. This app is similar to the Kindle app and has a lot of the same features. Highlighting and sharing is included and the syncing too.

Audible- Sometimes I just like to be read to. Especially when I am traveling for some reason I like to listen to books rather than read them. Thank goodness for Audible. I can do a quick search of the database and buy a book that I can then have read by the author or someone associated with the book. And they always have a good deal on audio books too.

Wikipedia- While I can get to Wikipedia from my tablet browser, I find the app much more friendly and easier to navigate. And you can save articles for offline viewing (handy for those times you have work to do but no connection) and can share articles with ease with the Android sharing menu.

Wattpad- This is a unique reading app. With over 100,000 stories and books it would be tough not to find something to like. The collection is full of independent authors and storytellers. The app is very social because you can see the comments from other readers and join book clubs to talk about books or genres.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary- Because sometimes you just need a definition.

Goodreads- This is another social/sharing book site. You can create your own bookshelf to share what you are reading and what you want to read, jump into discussions and discover new content.

Those are my favorite apps for reading and reference on my Android tablet. What are some of yours?